Numbers game

If you've dialed 1-800-RED-CROSS, then you probably discovered that it doesn't connect you to the American Red Cross. At least, not until the FCC issued an emergency ruling last Friday handing control of the number to the relief agency, "plucking it from the hands of corporate digit-squatters," as Wired News put it.

(The transfer apparently still hasn't taken place, however. I tried calling just a few minutes ago.)

For the record, the number for the Red Cross' toll-free donations and volunteer line is 1-800-HELP-NOW.

Update, Sept. 8, 2:47 p.m.: The Red Cross is apparently accepting calls at 1-800-RED-CROSS now.